Freecom has launched an external HDD that will only grant you access to its data if you’re the bearer of the keycard.
Freecom_Hard_Drive_Secure Freecom's Hard Drive Secure: controlled using an RFID card
Admission to the Hard Drive Secure is controlled by an RFID card which you swipe once over the HDD to lock it and again to …

"none coming with the risk you might lose your access card"...

"none coming with the risk you might lose your access card"...

No but they go back to the risk of a really deternimed criminal cutting your hand off, maybe killing you first to make it easier..

And whilst that may sound quite extreme and like something you've only seen/heard of in the movies, UK police are still investigating a murder where bits of the same body have been found in several different counties...

So is this

a drive with custom electronics to ensure that, short of removing the platters, the data remains safe? Or is this an RFID reader which, once triggered by the correct RFID card, flicks a few relays or transistor switches to physically connect the USB port on the box to the drive?

'cos if it's the second one then- like someone's said above- it can be defeated by a screwdriver. Which makes it pretty pointless. Nick it and- oh noes!- there's a 5, 10 minute period where you can't get at the data!

Alternatively, I guess it could encrypt the data somehow? RFID card provides the decryption key?

Also, isn't RFID pretty easy to pick up using a PDA or standalone kit?